New Delhi: Apple India has recorded a 60 per cent jump in iPhone production from its Indian supply chain with a turnover close to Rs 1.89 lakh crore during the financial year ended March 31, 2025, according to industry data.
Apple exported iPhones worth ₹1.5 lakh crore from India during 2024-25, according to Minister for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The company’s production in India is expected to gain momentum amid the US-China tariff war, which is likely to impact its exports from China.
With significantly lower US duties on India-made smartphones, Apple holds a clear advantage in expanding its manufacturing base in the country.
India's smartphone exports reached ₹1.75 lakh crore ($21 billion) during the first 11 months of 2024-25 (April-February), marking a 54% increase compared to the same period in 2023-24, as reported by the India Cellular and Electronics Association.
Apple's iPhone supply chain contributed approximately 70% of these exports, with Tamil Nadu-based Foxconn alone accounting for nearly 50% of the shipments. Exports from the Foxconn facility saw a growth of over 40% compared to the previous financial year.
Tata Electronics contributed 22% of India's smartphone exports, following its acquisition of the Wistron manufacturing facility in Karnataka and a 60% stake in Pegatron's Tamil Nadu operations. These moves have positioned the Tata group as a significant producer of iPhones in the country, with Pegatron accounting for 12% of export consignments.
Samsung, the South Korean tech giant, added 20% to the total smartphone exports from India.
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had initially projected smartphone exports to reach $20 billion (₹1.68 lakh crore) during 2024-25, but this target was surpassed within the first 11 months of the financial year.
India's electronics exports, driven by smartphones, have seen remarkable growth, largely due to the government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. This initiative has attracted foreign tech giants like Apple and its suppliers, who are seeking alternative supply chains outside China amid US sanctions.
The PLI scheme has not only boosted exports but also reduced imports, with domestic production now meeting 99% of India's smartphone demand. By December 2024, the scheme had attracted ₹10,213 crore in investments, created over 1.37 lakh direct jobs, and significantly enhanced the country's export capabilities, as reported in Parliament.
(inputs from IANS)